Health Benefits of Vallarai Keerai

Vallarai Keerai is a perennial herb scientifically known as Centella Asiatica. It is a green leafy herb/plant that grows in tropical, wet and swampy lands of South Asia, including countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

It is a short creeper that grows up to 4-18 inches in height. The herb is known by different names in different languages. In Tamil, it is called Vallarai Keerai, in Hindi, it is known as Saraswati, in Telegu, people know it as Swaraswataku, and in Sanskrit, it is known by the name Mandukaparni. In the Sri Lankan language (Sinhalese), it literally means cup-shaped leaf, which aptly describes the physical appearance of the herb.

The shrub produces flowers, which then bud into small oval-shaped fruits. The herb in itself does not have any distinct aroma or smell. However, it can be used in many dishes, given the high nutritional content.

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Vallarai Keerai is a rich source of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, polyphenols, brahmoside, etc. Additionally, it contains the following.

Immunity Boost

As we have seen in the table, Vallarai Keerai contains 73% vitamin C, which is an excellent antioxidant for the body. It protects your immune system from toxins that cause inflammation, keeping it healthy. It also improves blood circulation and iron absorption and is necessary for overall growth and development.

Vallarai Keerai Benefits for Brain

Since the herb is rich in many compounds, their properties are beneficial for overall brain health. It is known to boost memory power, enhance cognitive ability, and stimulate neurotransmitter activity in the central nervous system. It helps in transferring the signals from the brain to the body organs efficiently, ensuring their smooth functioning.

Maintains Heart Health

The WHO recommends potassium consumption if you want to keep the heart healthy. Vallarai Keerai contains 5% potassium, which is useful in lowering blood pressure and preventing the accumulation of calcium in the arteries. Thus, consuming Vallarai Keerai is an effective way to take care of your heart and keep it healthy.

Useful for Constipation

If you are troubled by constipation, try including Vallarai Keerai in your daily diet. The fibre content in this herb helps in the smooth movement of the bowels, aiding in proper food digestion.

Vallarai Keerai Benefits for Hair

Vallarai Keerai contains plenty of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps strengthen the hair follicles. It helps to improve hair growth and removes the harmful radicals which weaken the hair strands. Vallarai Keerai juice or extract can be applied to the scalp to combat dandruff woes and the associated itching.

Treats Muscle Cramps

You can increase the mineral content in your body by consuming Vallarai Keerai as it is necessary for all muscle functions. Manganese and magnesium in the plan are necessary for muscle movement and relaxation. If you have sore muscles or muscle cramps from workouts or other reasons, this ingredient can help.

Strengthens the Bones

We all know that calcium is important for healthy and strong bones. Thus, consuming Vallarai Keerai can be a good source of calcium. Additionally, it also contains potassium, which enables mineral absorption in the body for overall well-being.

Vallarai Keerai Benefits for Skin

If you want to achieve clear-looking and radiant skin, Vallarai Keerai can help you with its amino acid content. It helps to generate healthy skin cells and also reduces the inflammation caused due to environmental factors. It is also beneficial for acne scars, marks, and spots as it contains the antioxidant flavonoids. Some antioxidants in the herb are also effective in reducing the signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines, etc.

Apart from the above, Vallarai Keerai's uses also include relief from urinary tract infections, a cure for anaemia, treatment for varicose veins, etc.

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Ayurveda recognises Vallarai Keerai as a Medhya Rasayana plant as it significantly helps in boosting mental capabilities. Therefore, there are plenty of therapeutic uses of this plant in Ayurveda, making it extremely popular.

Vallarai Keerai is associated with madhura rasa, which means it has a sweet taste combined with laghu and rukshagunas (light and dry). It is well-known for promoting a positive and equalising mindset (sattva and rajas), which alleviates the negative tamas (mindset).

It comprises heating potential (ushna virya) and the ability to balance the kapha (earth and water). Vallarai Keerai can also be beneficial for influencing the pitta (fire and water) and vata (air and ether).

Looking at the numerous health advantages of Vallarai Keerai, it is difficult not to want to incorporate it into your life. Thus, we have some quick and effective recipes to show you how to use Vallarai Keerai.

Vallarai keerai Soup: For constipation and gut issues

Ingredients: Vallarai keerai ½ cup, cumin powder 1 tsp, pepper powder ½ tsp, salt to taste, chilly powder, and coriander leaves.

• Boil the leaves in water along with red chilli and cumin powder.

• Allow the leaves to cool down and then blend it in a grinder to form a smooth paste.

• Pour out the soup into a bowl and garnish it with coriander leaves, salt, and pepper.

Vallarai Keerai Juice: For acne, hair, dark spots

Ingredients: Vallarai Keerai leaves, honey 2 tsp, crushed ice.

• Wash the leaves and chop them finely

• Blend it in a mixer along with some water

• Add honey and crushed ice

**Vallarai Keerai Dosa: **

Ingredients: Dosa batter 3-4 cups, chopped onion 1, cumin 1 tsp, peppercorns 1 tsp, Vallarai Keerai leaves 3 cups, pepper powder 1 tsp, water, salt and oil.

• Puree the Vallarai Keerai leaves and add the paste to the dosa batter

• In a pan, heat some oil and add the chopped onion. Saute them till they are transparent.

• Temper the cumin and peppercorns and the sauteed onion to the dosa batter.

• Add salt and water to the batter as needed.

• Make regular dosa on the pan and enjoy.

Vallarai Keerai is an excellent source of various minerals and vitamins, which play a significant role in keeping you healthy. Its benefits are not limited to the body but extend to mental health, too. From hair, skin and bones to heart, joints and muscles, it is an all-in-one ingredient to take care of your well-being.

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What are Vallarai Keerai's benefits during pregnancy?

This herb may be beneficial for the overall health of pregnant women, and it may also be used to improve the baby’s memory.

What are Vallarai Keerai's side effects?

Vallarai Keerai is a very safe herb to consume. However, if taken in excessive amounts, it may cause digestive problems in some individuals. Therefore, it is best to consume it within the recommended limits.

How can Vallarai Keerai be eaten?

You can eat this nutritious herb by making various dishes such as curry, dosa, chutney, juice, or soups.

Is it safe to eat the Vallarai Keerai herb raw?

Yes, this herb can be eaten raw. However, it is recommended to cook it to avoid its bitter taste.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the Health Benefits of Char Magaz. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.